By Chelsea Davis-Bibb
Photo credit: Provost & Associates
Since 2010, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Acres Homes, has given out 119 scholarships to their graduating seniors to help give them a head start on their education endeavors. This year was no exception. Under the leadership of Pastor, Dr. Edwin Davis, Galilee was able to award eleven (11) scholarships totaling $60,000 dollars. This was the most scholarships awarded since the inception of the Scholarship Ministry. The beautiful part of this is that 90% of the donations come directly from the church members.
Even though this year was another huge success, Galilee will continue to soar to greater heights. Pastor Davis expressed, “The church is not only responsible for spiritual guidance but must continue to be the guiding force of assisting young people in their educational endeavors. We continue to give scholarships to assist our graduates in their college journey by giving them a jumpstart. It is very important that we help our children with their college endeavors in these times that we live in.”
In addition, First Lady, Dr. Charlotte J. Davis has worked hard for years with the help of members of the Scholarship Ministry to ensure that they can assist as many students possible. With 25 years in education under her belt, Dr. Davis truly believes that our youth is our future and that is important that we continue to make an investment in them. She expressed, “It is imperative that our young people get some sort of post high school education whether it be two-year, four-year, certification or licensure.”
Taylor Johnson, was one of the recipients who received an $8,000 scholarship. She was very grateful for this award and expressed, “Being a recipient of the Galilee MBC scholarship has made it easier for me to reach my goal in education. I am grateful for the scholarship ministry. Without them and this incredible blessing, I probably wouldn’t be able to afford most of my classes. I believe that this was a true blessing from God.” After graduation, Taylor will be moving to Tuscaloosa Alabama to pursue a degree in Kinesiology with a minor is Sports Medicine at the University of Alabama, Roll Tide! With this degree, she has the dream of becoming the first African American female athletic trainer in the National Football League (NFL).
Another recipient, Jada Ellis, received a $6,500 scholarship. She was ecstatic when she received this award and has great plans for the future. She stated, “I’m blessed and grateful for the opportunity to further my education. The scholarship was reassurance that I am worthy and that all of the hard work does pay off, and I can enjoy the fruits of my labor.” After graduation, Jada plans to attend Lone Star College to be a part of their Honors College to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science Degree. She also has plans to study abroad. Her long-term goal is to enter the medical field to help prevent and to cure people from various diseases.
Haley Parks, another scholarship recipient, received the highest scholarship award in the amount of $9,000. Haley was beyond grateful to receive this scholarship and is excited for her next chapter. She illustrated, “All my life, my mom told me to serve the Lord, and I listened at home and I listened in the church. Pastor Davis and my Galilee family taught me and supported me, and I believed in them and they believed in me. I was so grateful, humble and excited when I received my scholarship.” After graduation, Haley plans to attend Bethune-Cookman University and study Criminal Justice/Pre-Law. Haley expressed, “I want to become a civil rights lawyer one day. My goal is to return and help the Acres Homes community and surrounding communities that helped me, especially my Church, Galilee MBC.”
Galilee was honored to have special guests to help celebrate and encourage their graduates. They were Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, Superintendent of Aldine ISD, Dr. Selena Chapa, Deputy Superintendent of Aldine ISD, Mr. Steve Meade, President of Aldine ISD’s School Board, Attorney Paul Shanklin, Aldine ISD School Board Member, Dr. Quentin Wright, Special Assistant to the Chancellor of Lone Star College and Ashley Turner, Executive Director of Community Relations for Lone Star College Houston-North.
Pastor Davis and the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church family believes that it is their mission to help every young person that they can. They believe in their young people and will continue to do their part by continuing to support them.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
